Metro Schools names new music program coordinator

University of Tennessee-Martin’s director of bands is set to join Metro Nashville Public Schools as the district’s new coordinator of music.

On Wednesday, MNPS announced the hiring of Nola Jones, currently an associate professor of music at UT-Martin, to help lead Metro’s music education program.

Jones, who will work alongside longtime MNPS music educator Carol Crittenden, begins her new job Feb. 6.

The hire comes four months after Director of Schools Jesse Register and Mayor Karl Dean announced plans for “Music Makes Us,” an overhaul of the district’s music curriculum.

The initiative, which relies on partnerships with Nashville’s music industry, has been billed as a way to compliment traditional music education outlets with a renewed focus on music technology.

“Dr. Jones will bring experience and expertise to our district that will support the new ‘Music Makes Us’ initiative,” Jay Steele, the district’s associate superintendent of high schools, said in a statement.

The district will carry on with a national search for a leader to oversee “Music Makes Us.”

At Martin, according to a news release, Jones conducted the wind ensemble and concert band, serving as director of the Skyhawk marching band and pep band, teaching undergraduate courses in conducting and music education, and serving as a member of the UTM faculty senate.